Tragedy in Dhaka: Military Jet Crashes Into School, Leaving City in Shock
In a city already struggling with overpopulation and strained resources, Dhaka is now grappling with a heartbreaking tragedy: a military jet on a routine training sortie crashed into a bustling school, igniting painful questions about what truly went wrong.
Was it a simple mechanical failure, or is there a deeper story authorities are hesitant to reveal? As the capital mourns the victims, urgent demands for answers grow louder.
The Incident
On Monday afternoon, an F-7 BGI fighter jet operated by the Bangladesh Air Force tragically collided with the campus of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s northern Uttara district.
The aircraft, a Chinese-made training variant, crashed shortly after taking off from BAF Base A. K. Khandaker in Kurmitola around 1:06 PM.
Despite the pilot’s reported efforts to steer clear of densely populated areas, the jet struck a two-story building within the school grounds before bursting into flames. The pilot was confirmed dead, and the catastrophe left at least 20 people dead, with more than 160—primarily students—suffering injuries.
Where It Happened
Milestone School and College is a well-known institution serving nearly 2,000 students from primary through grade 12. Situated in the crowded Uttara neighborhood, one of Dhaka’s most populous sectors within a city home to over 20 million residents, the school is recognized for its strong academics and extracurricular programs.
Victims and Community Impact
Though the full toll is still being compiled, the pilot was among those killed. The majority of the injured are schoolchildren caught inside classrooms during afternoon lessons. The shockwave of the crash has left families devastated, with the community rallying around the victims amid rising concerns about safety.
Official Reactions and Public Outcry
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed profound grief over the “heartbreaking accident” and pledged a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The government declared a national day of mourning, lowering flags nationwide to honor the lost lives.
Yet, beneath official condolences, public anxiety simmers. Many question the safety of military flights over heavily populated areas and call for greater transparency and stricter regulations to prevent future disasters.
Reflection